In a remarkable breakthrough, researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have uncovered a crucial protein responsible for the ageing process. This discovery could pave the way for a new era in healthy ageing, allowing Singaporean parents to live longer and more vibrant lives.
In a jaw-dropping study published in Nature, scientists revealed that IL-11 is the culprit behind those pesky liver and belly fat piles and the dreaded muscle decline that comes with age. But here’s the kicker: by targeting IL-11, they managed to slow down the ageing process and extend the lifespan of mice.
Looks like the fountain of youth might just be a protein away!
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Chance Discovery Leads to Groundbreaking Findings
Source: Duke-NUS
The discovery of IL-11’s link to ageing was a serendipitous one. In 2017, the research team at Duke-NUS Medical School was studying the protein’s role in causing excessive scarring in the heart and kidney when they stumbled upon a crucial finding.
“Out of curiosity, I ran some experiments to check for IL-11 levels. From the readings, we could clearly see that the levels of IL-11 increased with age, and that’s when we got really excited,” said Assistant Professor Anissa Widjaja, the first and co-corresponding author of the study.
Source: The Strait Times
Understanding the Role of IL-11 in Ageing
As we grow older, our cells accumulate damage, and IL-11 acts as an alarm system that perceives these damaged cells as a form of infection. This triggers an immune system response, resulting in inflammation in old age.
“It’s like pouring petrol on a fire, and ageing will be accelerated with IL-11 in all the body’s organs,” explained Prof Widjaja.
Promising Results from Pre-Clinical Trials
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In 2020, the research team at Duke-NUS Medical School conducted a 25-week experiment with mice. They injected an anti-IL-11 drug into 75-week-old mice – equivalent to 55-year-old humans – and observed the results at 100 weeks of age, when the mice were as old as 70-year-old humans.
The findings were remarkable: the mice’s metabolism improved, shifting from generating white fat to beneficial brown fat. Brown fat breaks down blood sugar and fat molecules to help maintain body temperature and burn calories. Additionally, the mice showed improved muscle function and an increased lifespan of up to 25 per cent.
“IL-11 is like a master switch for ageing. Anti-IL-11 therapy blocks the switch from being turned on, which means pathways to ageing are inhibited,” said Prof Widjaja.
The Road Ahead for Anti-IL-11 Therapy
Source: WE News English
While the anti-IL-11 drug has a good safety profile and no observed toxicity in pre-clinical trials, it will take some time before it can be commercialised. The drug must first clear clinical trials for safety and efficacy.
The research team at Duke-NUS Medical School is currently seeking partners and funding to conduct phase one clinical trials, which will assess the drug’s safety and side effects.
Dr Stuart Cook, the senior author of the study and Tanoto Foundation Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, expressed the team’s goal of making anti-IL-11 therapy widely available so that people around the world can lead healthier lives for longer.
Transformative Potential for Ageing Societies
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Professor Thomas Coffman, the dean of Duke-NUS, highlighted the significance of this discovery for rapidly ageing societies like Singapore. Despite the increase in average life expectancy, there is a notable disparity between years lived and years of healthy living free of disease.
“For rapidly ageing societies like Singapore’s, this discovery could be transformative, enabling older adults to prolong healthy ageing, and reducing frailty and risk of falls while improving cardiometabolic health,” said Prof Coffman.
The Road Ahead
As the world grapples with the implications of an ageing population, the discovery made by Duke-NUS scientists offers a glimmer of hope. By shedding light on the role of IL-11 in the ageing process, they have opened up new avenues for research and potential therapies. While the journey ahead may be long and arduous, the potential rewards are immense.
Imagine a future where older adults can maintain their vitality and independence well into their golden years, free from the debilitating effects of age-related diseases.
Source: Quora
This discovery brings us one step closer to that reality, and it is up to us as a society to support and nurture the continued efforts of these dedicated researchers. By investing in the exploration of ageing and longevity, we can not only improve the quality of life for individuals but also alleviate the strain on healthcare systems and economies.
In conclusion, the discovery made by Duke-NUS scientists is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the potential for breakthroughs in the field of ageing research. As we look to the future, let us embrace the hope and possibilities this discovery represents and work together to create a world where healthy longevity is the norm, not the exception.
Are we ready to redefine ageing and unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier life?
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